Chapter 8: A Decision to Help

As Iduna sat with Hans in the throne room, she couldn't help but feel a deep sense of sorrow and anger towards the people who had hurt him. She had already seen the signs of physical and emotional abuse on his body, and she knew that she had to act fast to help him. Iduna's thoughts were consumed by the desire to protect Hans and provide him with a safe and loving home. She looked at Hans, who was sitting quietly, his auburn hair falling across his forehead. His brown eyes, which had once sparkled with hope, now seemed dull and lifeless. Iduna's heart went out to him, and she felt a surge of determination to help him heal. "Hans, I want you to know that you're safe now," Iduna said gently, trying to coax him into opening up. "You're with us, and we'll do everything we can to help you." Hans looked up at her, his eyes welling up with tears. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. Iduna smiled and took his hand in hers. "Please, Hans, call me Iduna," she said. "We're going to be family now." As she spoke, Iduna made a decision. She was going to adopt Hans, and she was going to provide him with a safe and loving home. She was going to help him heal from his wounds, and she was going to give him the chance to live a happy and fulfilling life. But as she looked at Hans, Iduna realized that it wouldn't be easy. Hans was deeply traumatized, and he needed professional help. Iduna made a mental note to talk to her daughters and to find a way to get Hans the help he needed. Over the next few days, Iduna spent a lot of time with Hans, trying to get to know him better. She learned about his love of books and his passion for music. She saw the spark of creativity in his eyes, and she knew that with the right care and attention, he could flourish. But despite her best efforts, Iduna couldn't shake off the feeling that Hans was still hiding something. She knew that he had been deeply hurt by his father and his brothers, and she was determined to help him overcome his trauma. As she sat with Hans in the throne room, Iduna noticed that he seemed agitated. He was fidgeting with his hands, and his eyes seemed to be darting around the room. "Hans, is everything okay?" Iduna asked, concern etched on her face. Hans hesitated, and then he looked up at her. "I don't know if I can do this, Iduna," he said, his voice shaking. "I don't know if I can be a part of a family." Iduna's heart went out to him, and she took his hand in hers. "You can, Hans," she said. "You are already a part of our family. And we'll do everything we can to help you feel safe and loved." But just as Iduna was about to reassure him, Hans's face contorted in pain, and he cried out in distress. Iduna was shocked as he suddenly stood up and ran to the corner of the room, where he collapsed on the floor, writhing in agony. Iduna rushed to his side, calling for her daughters and the guards to help her. She knew that Hans needed immediate attention, and she was determined to get him the help he needed. As they tried to calm him down, Iduna realized that Hans's trauma was more deep-seated than she had initially thought. She knew that she had to act fast to help him, or risk losing him to his darkness. With a newfound sense of urgency, Iduna made a decision. She was going to do everything in her power to help Hans, no matter what it took. She was going to be his rock, his safe haven, and his forever home.